River basin organisations and the dynamics of inter-provincial cooperation and conflict in the Zayandehrud River Basin

Overlooking the socio-political dynamics in the management of complex river basins is a significant factor contributing to the failure of water governance initiatives. This study employs the TWINS Matrix to analyse the evolution of inter-provincial cooperation and conflict in the Zayandehrud River Basin (ZRB). Additionally, it utilises the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework to assess the design and performance of the multiple River Basin Organisations (RBOs) established in the basin. Adopting a case study strategy, the findings reveal that the limited effectiveness of the RBOs is deeply rooted in context-specific socio-political dynamics, including weak state and its limited implementation capacity, identity-based conflicts, and pervasive mistrust among stakeholders. The study concludes by emphasising the necessity of context-sensitive, problem-driven approaches as a starting point for rethinking the problem of the Zayandehrud River Basin (ZRB).